I'm not trying to be too negative. I get the injuries....you really need Broyld and Estime on this roster. Badly. You need a healthy o line. Fine. You probably need Terrel Hunt....
But doesn't next year look even worse? Maybe Hunt comes back and puts it together. Arguably it's a decent chance based on what they'll have around him. The WRs should be solid for once wth Ismael and healthy Broyld and Estime. Any production from anyone else is just a bonus. Perhaps the TE position will produce with some health and additions/expanded roles. I don't think RB should be any worse from a talent perspective; it's going to be a small group.
But even if healthy, how can the OL be any better without Hickey? Who plays center? Emerich didn't look up to the job. And who plays QB? Clearly Hunt is the far and away favorite. They got nothing from that position this year. Does Hunt recapture the end of last season? The answer sure as heck doesn't look like Long. He was awful this season, freshman or not. Wilson throws the ball pretty well. Is he he answer in the right offense? Can they go a season without poor execution, discipline, and bad penalties? I don't see why we'd think so.
Defensively Franklin seems like the real deal in the middle and I think Hodge moving to the weak side makes a ton of sense. I think the other spot will be ok.... If Eskridge goes pro, the defensive backfield will be horrendous. Unless they were sitting on some incredible talent (I doubt it), Julian Whigham will be your only/best returning DB. Yikes. Upfront Thompson is a good player. I am disappointed that Johnson took a step back this year, but maybe he comes back rolling. But what else? The front four could be a mess.
Kicking game could/should be sound but overall the special teams will probably stink. Sorry but that is the track record.
Top all that off with shaky coaching at a number of points....is anyone terribly confident?
My pick is 3-9 again and adios Shafer. I don't want that result, but I just don't see any other way.
But doesn't next year look even worse? Maybe Hunt comes back and puts it together. Arguably it's a decent chance based on what they'll have around him. The WRs should be solid for once wth Ismael and healthy Broyld and Estime. Any production from anyone else is just a bonus. Perhaps the TE position will produce with some health and additions/expanded roles. I don't think RB should be any worse from a talent perspective; it's going to be a small group.
But even if healthy, how can the OL be any better without Hickey? Who plays center? Emerich didn't look up to the job. And who plays QB? Clearly Hunt is the far and away favorite. They got nothing from that position this year. Does Hunt recapture the end of last season? The answer sure as heck doesn't look like Long. He was awful this season, freshman or not. Wilson throws the ball pretty well. Is he he answer in the right offense? Can they go a season without poor execution, discipline, and bad penalties? I don't see why we'd think so.
Defensively Franklin seems like the real deal in the middle and I think Hodge moving to the weak side makes a ton of sense. I think the other spot will be ok.... If Eskridge goes pro, the defensive backfield will be horrendous. Unless they were sitting on some incredible talent (I doubt it), Julian Whigham will be your only/best returning DB. Yikes. Upfront Thompson is a good player. I am disappointed that Johnson took a step back this year, but maybe he comes back rolling. But what else? The front four could be a mess.
Kicking game could/should be sound but overall the special teams will probably stink. Sorry but that is the track record.
Top all that off with shaky coaching at a number of points....is anyone terribly confident?
My pick is 3-9 again and adios Shafer. I don't want that result, but I just don't see any other way.
